KC Suffolk Regt cap badge - numbering on reverse?

[DougSA]

I have recently acquired the attached badge and have noticed some numbering which is just about discernable on the reverse of the badge, behind the Suffolk scroll.

I would be interested to know the significance of the numbering. Any insights welcome!

[KLR]

Hmmmmm, letters in reverse ?

[DougSA]

Yes, thank you, I am quite aware that this is a die struck badge

No, I am not talking about the letters in reverse, I am talking about some numbers which are towards the top of the letters - between the "O" and the first "F" (in "Suffolk") - and are about a third of the size of the letters.

[Sonofacqms]

From what I can see this looks to me like a Suffolk Regt OSD collar badge, as to whether there is any letters or whatever visible I would need to look at the badge closer.
Rob

[Chacal]

Looks like "_ & _O" so "_ & CO"?

Graham

[manchesters]

Cant see anything other than the 'O' but will be 'J & CO' for Jennens & co.

regards

[Frank Kelley]

A glance at the photographs suggests to me that the badge has been die cast, in common with the majority of bronze OSD badges.

Originally Posted by KLR

Oh dear, we are looking at a die struck badge. If you look at the front of it........

Not numbers but letters in reverse !

[KLR]

Yes, sorry, I was tired.
Yes, it's a die cast OSD - with a detailed rear die

yes, i can see J&Co


but it's unusual for J&Co, the rear is poorly cast

[DougSA]

Thank you very much for the insight re. "J & CO". Would this, plus KC, mean 1901 - 1924 date of manufacture?

I was also thinking OSD.

I was convinced that it is a cap badge based on the size, which as approx. 4.5cm high. See attached...

[Alan O]

Cap and collars were often the same size and only the fittings differed.

[DougSA]

Originally Posted by Alan O

Cap and collars were often the same size and only the fittings differed.

So, differentiated by blades for cap badge and lugs for collars?

[Alan O]

Generally that was the case. Not to say that lugs could not be found on a cap badge and there were regtl differences.

[KLR]

(I'm awake now !)

OSD was introduced by Army Orders (A.O.) 8 of 1902.Jennens was taken over by Gaunts on 08.07.1925 - G took over J&Co dies and used them for a while but stamped 'Gaunt late Jennens'.

Incidentally J&Co papers survive in B'ham (BMAG) and London (NAM) in the Gaunt archives, that might have your badge (I only looked up my interests a few years ago.)

And yes, officer's badges have a vast amount of variation when iot comes to fixtures.

[DougSA]

Thanks to all for taking the time to share insights - it is appreciated!